February 16th , 2005

Nikon has today announced the Nikon D2Hs, a new professional digital SLR camera aimed at the sports and action photography market.

The Nikon D2Hs, although based largely on its predecessor the Nikon D2H, incorporates a variety of features from the recently announced Nikon D2X, including the new image-processing ASIC, LCD display technology, improved wireless functionality, support for GPS devices and more.

The Nikon D2Hs incorporates Nikon's LBCAST sensor technology, and provides 4.1 effective megapixels of resolution. Capable of shooting at 8 fps for a continuous burst of up to 50 images at maximum file size (JPEG), the Nikon D2Hs DSLR delivers high speed, high precision, and improved handling for action photography.

The Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price (MSRP) for the Nikon D2Hs DSLR body will be $4100 CAN.

• Reduced noise at high sensitivity (ISO). Achieved by improvements made to the processing ASIC and revised image processing algorithms.



• Enhanced autofocus (AF) performance with refinements to the system's AF and lens drive algorithms. The Nikon D2Hs also features a new AF mode called Group dynamic-AF with Center area priority: The camera focuses on subject in center focus area of selected group. Because the camera does not have to select the focus area, less time is required for focus operation
  

• Nikon D2Hs features increased quantization (computing) precision for higher image quality. Processing within the ASIC is now performed at 12-bit instead of 8-bit.



• Improved Auto white balance (AWB) with even greater accuracy.
  
  
• Increased memory buffer capacity, increases the number of pictures that can be taken in a single burst (max 50 JPEG frames versus 40 on the Nikon D2H)



• Additional DDR memory for improved speed and performance
  
  
• Enhanced user-friendly custom setting navigation and redesigned menus
  

Nikon D2Hs New Main Shooting Menu		Nikon D2H Main Shooting Menu

Nikon D2Hs features adopted from the Nikon D2X

• Image processing ASIC for noise reduction



• 3D Color Matrix Metering II



• Support for the sYCC color space. sYCC is a color space with a larger gamut of colors than the sRGB color space. sYCC is available with JPEG images only; TIFF images do not support sYCC.
  
  
• Improved LCD display technology, including separate histograms for each color channel (RGB) and a high-resolution 230,000 pixel LCD monitor



• Improved wireless features, including support for the WT-2a wireless transmitter, higher data transfer rates, and user-friendly setup
(PTP / IP)


• Support for optional GPS devices



• Improved handling, including a help feature, time zone settings, a menu of recent settings, a card-slot cover that opens ten degrees wider, and support for ten languages



• Support for Exif version 2.21 and DCF 2.0.



• Advanced JPEG compression options (fixed size versus optimal quality)



• A noise-reduction option in the shooting menu for reducing noise at high sensitivities



• An option for fine-tuning the optimal exposure level

• LBCAST image sensor with 4.1 effective megapixels
  Nikon's exclusive DX Format JFET image sensor LBCAST (Lateral Buried Charge Accumulator and Sensing Transistor array) combines optimized resolution and speed to deliver image quality and high-speed performance at a 2,464×1,632 pixels file size.
  

• Advanced new image processing engine produces high quality images
  The new image processing engine adopts advances from the Nikon D2X to further improve image quality. Increased quantization precision when processing the data from the LBCAST sensor improves image quality to produce finer gradations with consistent and smooth transitions.
  

• High-speed continuous shooting frame advance rate of 8 frames per second for up to 50 frames (JPEG)
  The speed achieved by the LBCAST sensor and image processing makes it possible to shoot continuously at 8 frames per second for up to 50 consecutive JPEG or 40 RAW (NEF) shots. The increased speed of the buffer memory improves recording speed as well as the speed of writing files to CompactFlash™ (CF) memory cards.
  

• 3D-Color Matrix Metering II
  Refinements to the Nikon D2Hs exposure metering system achieve higher precision in calculating optimum exposure from the data supplied from the 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure / Color Matrix Metering Sensor, even when shooting under exceedingly challenging conditions.

• Precise white balance
  Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) and Auto Tone Control (ATC) systems in the Nikon D2Hs combine the advantages of three sensors - Nikon's 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure / Color Matrix Metering Sensor, the LBCAST image sensor, and the external Ambient Light Sensor - to effectively handle complicated lighting conditions. Full manual white balance control options include white balance presets and the direct setting of Kelvin color temperature. In addition, white balance bracketing can also be performed using up to nine frames for a single shot.
  

• Faster, higher precision 11-area AF system
  Refinements to the system's AF and lens drive algorithms further improve focus precision, subject acquisition, and subject tracking. Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 2000 AF Sensor Module incorporated in the Nikon D2Hs features eleven widely spread AF sensors, of which nine are cross-type sensors, broad detection range and a selection of four flexible operating modes. The high precision and speed of the Nikon D2Hs's AF system also contributes to achieving high-speed continuous shooting.

Nikon D2Hs Viewfinder Layout

• High-speed wireless data transfer and camera control
  The Nikon D2Hs is compatible with both the optional Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-1/1A originally designed for the Nikon D2H, and with the new Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A designed for the Nikon D2X, which supports IEEE 802.11g for faster transfer speeds as well as IEEE 802.11b networks. The Nikon WT-2/2A transmitter also strengthens wireless security options and supports a wider variety of network protocols, including the new PTP/IP protocol that realizes wireless Capture Control of the Nikon D2Hs from a computer running Nikon Capture 4 software (Ver. 4.2.1 or later).
  

• sYCC color space support
  Pictures taken with the Nikon D2Hs in the sYCC color space take full advantage of the larger gamut supported by the sYCC-compatible printers now available from Epson and Canon. These printers are optimized to print the cyans and greens that are included in the sYCC gamut of the D2Hs but which are not found in the sRGB color space. The Nikon D2Hs also continues to feature three available color modes, which are optimized by the advanced color reproduction system to best match the specific assignment and workflow environment. Color Modes I and III use the sRGB color space, while Color Mode II uses the wider gamut of the Adobe RGB color space.
  

• JPEG and RAW (NEF) combination filing system
  The option to simultaneously record RAW (NEF) and JPEG files to the CF card for the same shot makes it possible to streamline workflow operations. JPEG files can be used when faster transfer or delivery is the priority, while NEF format is a convenient option for high-quality applications that allows non-destructive editing and changes.
  

• GPS connectivity expands applications
  The latitude, longitude, altitude and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) at which a shot is taken can be recorded from a GPS unit to the image's metadata. GPS units that comply with the NMEA 0183 (ver.2.01) interface standard can be connected using the optional GPS cable (MC-35).
  

• High-resolution 2.5" LCD with selectable RGB Histogram Display
  A large new 2.5-inch LCD monitor with a higher resolution of 232,000 pixels adds an all-digital interface for clear, flicker-free display of images and information. Displays include preview images at up to 15x magnification, an improved histogram display, and new selectable RGB Histogram displays make exposure confirmation quick, easy and accurate for each of the Red, Green and Blue color channels.

• New World Time and Help menus improve operational ease
  The World Time menu makes it easy to select the local time from a world map displayed on the LCD monitor, a handy feature for globetrotting professionals. Also new is the chronological Recent Settings list, as well as available help dialogs that describe menu settings.
  

• Immediate response & ultra-short 37ms shutter lag
  Instant power-up and a class-leading shutter release time lag of a mere 37 milliseconds (same as Nikon D2H and D2X) combines with optimized systems throughout to maximize all-round performance and deliver the response needed to handle even challenging professional assignments.
  

• Body design aimed at efficient handing, durability, and resistance to dust & water
  The D2Hs inherits the refinements made to the controls and buttons on the Nikon D2X for easier operation. The body design is optimized for handling efficiency and, along with the highly durable shutter unit, mirror balancer and other internal mechanisms, to stand the rigors of professional assignments while protecting against drops of water.
  

• Advanced lithium-ion battery system for more shots per charge
  Revised battery check algorithms help the high-energy EN-EL4 rechargeable lithium-ion battery to power the Nikon D2Hs for approx. 2,900 shots per charge. Accurate real-time battery system status displays include the remaining battery level, the number of shots taken since the last charge, the overall status of the battery's service life, and notification when calibration is necessary.
  

• Practical output interfaces
  The USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface allows for fast transfer of images to a computer or external storage device. PictBridge support makes it possible to print directly to any compatible printer. And, the supplied Audio Video Cable allows for playback on external devices, including playback of recorded voice memos, which can each be up to 60 seconds in length. Voice memos can also be played back via the built-in speaker.
  

• Full integration with Nikon's Creative Lighting System
  The Nikon D2Hs offers seamless i-TTL flash operation with the optional Nikon SB-800 and SB-600 external Speedlights. Features include Advanced Wireless Lighting, Flash Value (FV) Lock, AUTO FP High-Speed Sync, and Flash Color Information Communication. The Nikon D2Hs is also compatible with the Nikon SB-80DX, SB-50DX, and other earlier Speedlights that use D-TTL flash control.
  

• Nikon Capture 4 (Ver 4.2.1) for professional workflow support
  The optional Nikon Capture 4(Ver.4.2.1) software package delivers a powerful tool that provides full editing control over RAW(NEF) image files and provides the color-controlled workflow environment that professionals require.
  
  Nikon Capture Version 4.2.1 incorporates new features that further improve productivity and creative control. Nikon Capture 4's Remote Camera Control function can control most shooting settings and trigger the camera's shutter release remotely, either connected via the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, or using the optional Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A. (PTP/IP wireless camera control requires Windows XP or Mac OS X.)